Tire valve



Feb. 27, 1945. A. E. DANK TIRE VALVE Filed Dec. 7, 1943 I INVENTOR.

44L RT 5. PHNK 5' BY y W I ATTORN X ition;

Patented Feb. 27, 1945 TIRE VALvE Albert E. Dank, Baltimore, Md, assignorto Assembled Products 00., Baltimore, Md.

' Application December 7, ls iaserial No ,'51s,21s

9Cla ims. (01. 251-119;)

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in tire valves. The basic construction of tire valves has not been varied or improved in years. Yet, inherent defects are generally known. The use of the :helicalspring to engage the valve head upon its seat is poorin that there is'no reserve factor for seating" the valve head when .dirt and grit. engage between the valve head and seat. This invention proposes a new construction in which dust, dirt :and'grit may reach the valve proper and yet the valve proper will exclude the leakage of airp Moreover; the new valve construction. is not only more positive in action but actually has.

less weightand uses less material and fewer parts than prior'similar valves. Applicant also proposes-so constructing the valve that less labor is required in its manufacture.

The dominating feature of the improved valve resides in the provision of a washer-like valve proper extending across sharp annular ridges and fixedly supported and clamped at its edge portions between the edge portions of a stem and a nut, and having one or more small air passages slightly inwards of its supported and clamped edge portionso'as to be capable of closing against said sharp annular ridges and cutting off the 'passage of air, and being openableuwhen desired to permit theflow of air. In one form the -invention1also proposes the provision of a sheetlike spring cooperative with said washer-like valve tofurge it into its closed position.

For further comprehension of the invention,

and of theobjects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to'the following description and accompanying drawing, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the inventioniare more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawing forming a material part of this disclosure:

1 Fig. 1 is a verticalcentral sectional view of a tire valve constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig.2 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1. V

Fig. 5 isa fragmentary enlarged detailed view of a portion of Fig. 1. l

Fig. 6 is a'fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. l but illustrating a modifiedconstruc- Thetire valve, in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in Figs, 1 to 5, includes a stem It] for. permanent mounting in the rubber nipple H of an inner tube or the like part. The stem ID is formed with several external beaded or rib-like portionslZ about which the material of the nipple. l I may engage for more effective adhesion of these parts by vulcanization. Between the beadedportions l2 there are grooved portions I3 into which the rubber material engages to. more securely hold the parts together.

The stem I 0 is also formed with a shoulder l4 engaged intimately against the. outer end of the nipple ll.

An axial passage l5 extends through the stem ID. This passage connects with a concave-like recess 16 formed in the outer end of the stem III. This recess 16 is of frusto-conical form, though other forms could be used with equal results. A nut H has internal threads I8 by which it is threadedly mounted on the external threads [9 formed on the outer portion of the stem ID. The nut I! has an axial passage 20 formed with a small frusto-conical portion 2| at its bottom end and with a large cylindrical portion 22 at its top end. A downwardly directed convex wall 23 surrounds the small frusto-conical inner portion 2| of said passage 20 through the nut II. This convex wall 23isformed with a pluralityof concentric grooves 24 dividing off or forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges 25. The convex wall 23 and consequently, the concentric grooves 24 and annular ridges 25 are opposed to the concave recess IS.

A flat washer-like valve proper 26 extends across said sharp annular ridges 25 and is fixedly clamped in concaved condition against said convex wall 23, at its edge portions, between the edge portions of the stem l0 and the edge portions of said convex wall 23. More specifically, these clampingportions are formed with inter-engaging projecting surfaces and recessed surfaces 21 preferably of V-shape in transverse cross sections, or of other shapes which will not only firmly clamp the edge portions of the washer-like valve proper 26 in position, but which will also direct and hold the washer-dike valve proper 26 arched arcuately (concaved) along the contour of the convex shaped wall 23 so that it resiliently bares against said sharp ridges 25. The washer like valve-proper 26 has a top layer 28 of relatively soft rubber and a bottom layer 29 of'harder rubber or pla'stic material. One or more'small air passages 30 extend through the washer-like valve proper 26 slightly inwards of ga stamping ,process.

fingers. ,against the end .of the ."nippletl to keep :dust,

sharp ridges 25 of the said wall 23. At its center:

the washer-like valve proper 26 is formed with a frusto-conical portion 33 which engages within and closely fits the said small frusto-conicalinner portion 2| of the passage throughflienut-Jl. 'llfiesheet-like spring 3| is triangularlyshaped (see Fig. 2) so that there are air passages 34 between its sides and the sides of the concave-like recessl6-to permit the passage of air. The apex portions iof the sheet-like spring 26 are formed with .rounded edge portions 35 :which rest :against the 'side shoulders of the concave-like recess 16 :by which the sheet-like spring 3| is .i'irmly supported.

The function of this sheet-like :spring 3! :is :to

urge the valve proper 26 into its closed position Torr-assisting in closing the valve.

A cap 36 is .removably vmounted over the nut il -and against the end of the nipple M. This cap 36.is produced from sheet metal by means'of After .it is drawn :into can shape, threadlike impressions 31 are formedon diametrically opposite sides and are :cooperative with threads formed externally upon the :Illlt .l:'! to, hold the cap 36 in position. The remaining -:-ltwo sides of :the cap 36 are formed with longi- -tudina1ly "extending corrugations .38 101 knurlings by whichthe cap '36 may be firmlygrippedbmthe The, edge 39 of the .cap 36 engages dirt and'grit out of the tire valve.

The operation of this new tire valve as .follows:

:As shown .in :Fig. 1, the valve is in .its closed position. The sheet-like spring 3:! is .forcing the washer-like valve rproper 26 towards the wall .23

,sothat it is forcedagainst the ridges 25. :The

washer-like valve ;prope r 26 also engages the .ridges. 25 due to its ".OWIl .resiliency. .Moreover,

the air @pressure Within-the .inn'er tube-whichiconmeets with the nipple H and the passage liengages beneath \the sheet-like spring 3i and he- ;neath the =washer like valve gproper 26 to assist in firmly holding the valve proper in its :closed position. The .cap 36 prevents dust, .-:dirt and -.grime.fr.om enteringthe tire valve,

When his desired -.to use the tire malve, 1=the cap-36 is unscrewed. The usual air hose .with

the usual air hose valve may be engaged .onthe ..outer end of the nut IT'SO that the .pin in the air .'hose' engages against; the .frusto-conical pprojectionportion 33 :of the washer-like valveiproper 2-6.for assisting in-opening'the valve. .Thezair,

pressure in the .hose 'line will also tact against the frusto-c'onicalprojection -33 and thei'top face ,of the washer-.like'valve proper 26 for assisting the opening of the valve. The airis then lime to flow through the small air ;passages 30 and through the passage-t of the stem H1. The pressure within the tire maybe released:;by:foroing the usual :pin .against the frusto-conioal projection 33 ofythe washer-like valve ,DIODBI 26.

An important :feature of -theinew valveo'on- .struction resides i in the fact that if dirt --.and grit kare blownginto the valve or; in other waysrea'ches g to firmly seal and close the valve.

From the above explanation it will be seenthat the valve is more durable in operation and has a.

lesser tendency to become leaky than present day tire valves. Moreover, it is estimated that about 40% less material is required in construction'of the'new valve, and at least less labor required in constructing and assembling the.

valve.

In Fig. 6 another form of the invention has been disclosed which distinguishes from the prior form essentially in-the Way in which the flat washer-like valve-proper .26 extends :across the .sharp annular ridges125of the concave wall .23 of the .nut if! and is urged against said sharp ridges :due to its inherent resiliency. More .specifically, the fiat washer-like valve proper :26 normally is flat whenseparated rromtheznut =11.

is of a slightly larger diameter than 'the diiameter .of .a groove 40 formed internally of said nut :11 at the .inner :ends of the-threads I28 401 said nut. The groove 40 is of a diameter substantially equal to the base diameter of zthein- .iternal threads 18 so that the .iflat washer-like waive :proper 26 must, be .fiexed "when :it is engaged .intothe nut I1 and then has inherent -.resiliency. :Due .to itsrinherent' resiliency the washer-like valve :proper will maintain its position in the :groove 403139171121 the nut J?! and the valve proper .26 are combined as ;a unit.

Furthermore; due to its inherent resiliency, :the-

walve proper .26 will .exertpressure against the annular sharp ridges :25 which then constitutes .the closed position of :the tire f-VEIVB. When the "nut 11' is screwed upon the stem 10 the edge portions of the washer-like valve proper 26' will be firmly clamped and .held etits edge portions:-

.-One of these clamping surtaces .is also formed .with a sh rp annular aprojection ll assisting :in rippin and holding the edge portion of :said

washer-like valve proper :261.

In other respects this rformicf the invention is -are indicated by like reference numerals.

art should he notedzthat. in form or invention there is no .:nee.d :for a. .asheetelike spring acting against the Washer-{like valve proper 325' to assist ;in urging..;it :into :its .closed zp sition.

While .I have illustratedzandflescrihed :the :preferred embodiments fqirmyfinventiomgit to she iunderstood that,I-;dp IIQtJli-IllitjlHlYSGlILtD :thevn'reaciSI-l constructions :herein disclosedzand'the right is reserved to all changes and modifications :com- :ing within the :scope (of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus. described invention, what I claim as newand desire to 588011 31? by limtefl iStatesIretters Patentzis:

1. A tire valve, comprising ;a stem -foriperma- :nent mounting :in the rubber .znipple of, an :inner tube or the like art and having :anz-axial .passage mconnecting mith a sconcayerlike. recess. in the. :outer end :of :said--. stem. t9; .znut :rmounted the outer end of said stem and having an ml passage formed with an inner portion surrounded by a curved wall having a plurality of concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges opposed to said (concave recess and the sharp edges of said ridges being -resiliently-engag ing against said sharp annular ridges for closing the tire valve and having one ormore small air passages slightly inwards of itse'dge portions for the passage of air when said valve proper is open, the edge portions of said washer-like valve proper being set into a groove formed within said nut, and saidwasher-like valve proper being of a larger diameter than the diameter of said groove, whereby when it is forced into said groove it maintains a curved condition resiliently acting against said annular ridges. 1

- 2; A the valve, comprising a stem for permanent'mounting in the rubber nipple of an inner tube or the like part and'having an axial passage connecting with a concave-like recess in the outerend of said stem, a nut mounted on the outer'end of said stem and having an axial passage formed with an inner portion surrounded by a curved wall having aplurality of concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges opposed to said concave recess, and a-washer-like valve proper extending across said sharp annular ridges and fixedly supported at its edge portions and resiliently engaging against said sharp annular ridges for closing the tire valve and having one or more small air passages slightly inwards of its edge portions for the passage of air when said valve proper is open, the edge portions of said'washer-like valve proper being set into a groove formed within said nut, and said washer-like valve properbeing of a larger diameter than the diameter of said groove, whereby when it is forced into said groove it-maintains a curved condition resiliently acting against said annular ridges. '3. A tire valve, comprising a ster'n for permanent mounting in the rubber nipple of an inner "tube or the like part and having an axial passage connecting with a concave-like recess in the outer end of said stem, a nut mounted on the outer end of said stem and having an axial passage formed-with an inner portion surrounded by a curved wall having a plurality of concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges opposed to said concave recess, and a washer-like valve proper extending across said sharp annular ridges and fixedly supported at its edge portions and resiliently engaging against said sharp annular ridges for closing the the valve and having one or more small air passages slightly inwards of its edge portions for the passage of air when said valve proper is open, said curved wall being concavely curved, the edge portions of said washer-like valve proper being set into a groove formed within said nut, and said washer-like valve proper being of a larger diameter than the diameter of said groove, whereby when it is forced into said groove it maintains a curved condition resiliently acting against said annular ridges, and said washer-like valve proper having a soft layer engaging said annular ridges.

4. A tire valve, comprising a stem for permanent mounting in the rubber nipple of an inner tube or the like part and having an axial passage connecting with a concave-like recess in the outer end oirsaid stem, a nut mounted on the outer end of said stem and having an axial passage formed with an inner portion surroundedby a curved wall havinga plurality of concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges opposed to said concave recess in the outer end of said stem, and a washsaid washer-like valve proper being set into a groove formed within said nut, and said washerlike valve proper beingof a larger diameter than the diameter of said groove, whereby when it is forced into said groove it maintains a curved condition resiliently acting against said annular ridges, and said washer-like valve proper having a soft layer engaging said annular ridges and a hard back layer ,for resiliently urging said sof layer-against said annular ridges. 5. A tire valve, comprising a stem for permanent mounting in the rubber nipple of an inner tube or the like part andhaving an axial passage connectingwith a concave-like recess in the outer end of said stem, a nut mounted on the outer end of said stem and having an axial passage formed with an inner portion surrounded by a curved wall having a plurality of. concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annularridges opposed to said concave recess, and a washer-like valve proper extending across said sharp annular ridges and fixedly supported at its edge portions and resiliently engaging against said sharp annular ridges for closing the tire valve and having one or more small air pa sages slightly inwards of its edge'portions for the passage of air when said valve proper is open, the

spring acting against said washer-like valve proper for assisting in urging said washer-like valve proper against said sharp annular ridges and being freely rested within said concavedlike recess in the outer end of said stem and supported by its edges engaging the edges of said concaved-like recess.

6. A tire valve, comprising a stem for permanent mounting in the rubber nipple of an inner tube or the like part and having an axial passage connecting with a concave-like recess in the outer end of said stem, a nut mounted on the outer end of said stem and having an axial passage formed with an inner portion surrounded by a curved wall having a plurality of concentric grooves forming downwardly directed sharp annular ridges opposed to said concave recess, a

.washer-like valve proper extending across said.

sharp annular ridges and fixedly clamped at its 

